Looking for a Chiropodist or Podiatrist in Stourbridge – What’s the difference?

Chiropodist, Podiatrist or Foot Health Practitioner?

In 1993 the name Chiropodist was replaced by Podiatrist as it was seen to be the internationally recognised name for a foot specialist.

Chiropodist / Podiatrists and Foot Health Practitioners treat an array of foot and lower limb problems with the most common being treatments for corns and hard skin along with in-growing toenails.  Specialities exist within the profession for almost any lower limb problem.

Typically a Chiropodist / Podiatrist will treat the following:

• Chronic pain involving the bones of the lower legs, ankles, or feet.
• Discomfort of the connective tissues or soft tissues.
• Arthritic problems.
• Chronic deformities such as hammertoe.
• Total nail removal.
• Diabetic foot care such as toenail trimming and filing.
• Any type of skin issue of the feet.
• Advisement as to proper footwear.
• Orthotic prescription if necessary.

A Chiropodist / Podiatrist  is recognised as the profession by which disease and pathological conditions are addressed. The podiatrist is capable of taking on those cases requiring specialist leg and foot support that cannot be delivered by the Foot Health Practitioner.  The full skills of a Podiatrist would be needed and utilized in only a small proportion of the total of presenting cases.

All podiatrists must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council in order to use the title Chiropodist or Podiatrist. The HPC regulates the chiropody and podiatry profession and ensures that all of its members meet their standards for training, professional skills, behaviour and health.

What is a Foot Health Practitioner?

As a Foot Health Practitioner (FHP) I am trained to focus on the lower limbs and feet providing treatment to minor ailments. My work is non-invasive with external minor surgery given without injected analgesia. The treatment of ingrown toenails, corn and callous removal is typical of the procedures I carry out. Assessment of foot positioning on walking, along with other external examination techniques are used in the assessment of the structure and condition of the lower limb and foot, all of which fall within the ability and remit of the Foot Health Practitioner. As such, the work carried out by an FHP far exceeds that of those trained simply to provide a nail-cutting service.

Typically I provide help and guidance with the following areas:

• Any type of pain involving the bones of the lower legs, ankles, or feet.
• Deformities such as hammertoe.
• Formation of corns, plantar warts, and bunions.
• Evaluation and removal of ingrown toenails.
• Care and treatment of toenail fungus.
• Diabetic foot care such as toenail trimming and filing.
• Any type of skin issue of the feet.
• Advisement as to proper footwear.
• Advise and help with insoles for shoes

Foot Health Practitioners are members of an Accredited Voluntary Register (The Alliance Voluntary Register) that has been independently vetted by and approved by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA). The PSA (an independent government appointed body) developed a system by which professional voluntary registers that meet defined standards of good practice and governance can be accredited.  Membership of an accredited register demonstrates to the public, commissioners of services and employers that the member on the register meets the set standards.